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Alarming depopulation / In one year, 33 thousand young people leave Albania

Politiko 2026-06-09 08:28:03

The country has entered a spiral of rapid population shrinkage and aging, with each year causing strong changes.

According to official population figures on January 1, 2026, the total number of residents has suffered a decline of over 27 thousand people within a year, reducing by 1.2%, but the weight of young people is rapidly fading, while the number of elderly people is experiencing significant growth, especially in the most fragile age groups.

The demographic balance is rapidly shifting towards the very old. Data shows that the youngest age group, those aged 0 to 4, has shrunk by 2.3%, decreasing by around 2,477 fewer children in 2025 alone. This negative trend deepens even more among young people and those on the verge of entering the labor market.

The largest annual declines were recorded among young people aged 25-29, with a contraction of 4.4% or about 5,955 fewer people, as well as in the age group 30-34, which recorded the strongest contraction of 4.7%, which translates into 6,853 fewer individuals. This decline in the active working age and young couples reflects not only the decline in fertility, but also the continuing impact of emigration of productive ages.

The population representing the young age group 0-34 years has decreased by 33 thousand people in just one year, equal to the size of the Kurbin municipality.

On the other hand, the population aging process is progressing rapidly, with the largest increase being observed in the oldest segments of society. While almost all age groups under 65 are declining, the most vulnerable are increasing at high rates. The number of people aged 70-74 has increased by 6.0%, while the age group 75-79 has experienced a strong increase of 8.3% in 2025 alone.

In addition to the aging of the baby boom generation, increasing life expectancy is also affecting the growth of the elderly population. Official data shows that the age group over 85 years old has increased by 8.3% by 2025. The number of people aged over 85 from 39,996 in 2024 reached 43,323 individuals last year, adding 3,327 elderly people. This increase in the elderly, combined with the depletion of the youth base, portends major challenges, starting with the increase in costs for healthcare and social services.

The most direct effect is being felt in the labor market. With the sharp contraction of the main productive and reproductive age groups, enterprises and institutions will face an acute shortage of labor, innovative force and young professionals. This is forcing many sectors to rely on an older workforce or seek alternative solutions through automation and the import of foreign workers./ Monitor